The organization of a workplace and workspace is of great importance for a modern person, whether at home or at work.
Indeed, in the dynamic rhythm of life, it is important to do everything on time and on time, and for this, first of all, you need to have a good work area and a well-organized work space with everything you need.
Many of the successful people and leaders, due to their busy lives, spend a lot of time doing work, not only in the office at work, but also at home. Therefore, there is a need to create a modern home office or study in an apartment or house.
In addition, some of us do work at home without visiting the work office as such, which also requires organizing the workplace at home in the best possible way, using the free space of your home or apartment to create a home office-office.
It is very good if the area of your apartment or house allows you to allocate a separate room for an office or office with all the amenities and work supplies. But everything is not always so simple, especially if there is very little space in the house or apartment.
But don’t be upset, because modern interior designs for home office-offices are so diverse and functional that they will allow you to find a solution for any request - from a small area for a home office to arranging a work area in the bedroom, living room, or on the balcony for a mini office-office at home Houses.
How to properly organize a home office and a modern home office in the 2022-2023 season? What office industry trends in the interior design of home offices and offices are current and will be at the peak of popularity in the near future?
Today we will tell you about all this in our review on the topic “Modern home office design 2022-2023”, where we will offer you stunning photo examples of the design of modern offices in different styles and directions.
In addition, you can find in our review modern ideas for designing a work area not only for a home office, but also original solutions for designing a study or office outside the home.
Using the proposed photo examples of modern office or office design for the 2022-2023 season, you can create a delightful office-office interior for every taste, which will delight and inspire you, stimulating you to do the necessary work even better and faster.
Let's quickly figure out what it should be like, be it a home office-office or a work office in 2022-2023: we will show you office interior design trends and modern workspace design in photo examples below...
Choosing the right layout and zoning
To maintain interior balance, the office is divided into a resting place, a work area, or sometimes a creative area. Each specific area may differ in its color design in dark or light pastel colors. To visually expand the room, use white furniture and textiles in light shades. A glass coffee table will add even more lightness to the design.
In the photo, the work area is separated from the living room by a partition in the form of a shelving unit.
The zoning plan is mainly carried out using partitions, cabinets, shelving, as well as through contrasting cladding of walls, ceilings or different floor levels. The main thing is not to overload the design of the room with a large number of furniture items so that the decor does not look cluttered.
Two tables in the letter "L"
A corner table, as you know, takes up little space and allows you to optimally arrange the rest of the furniture in the room. A great idea is to place two identical tables at an angle in the letter “L”, where two people can sit quite comfortably. The main thing is that there is enough space for chairs.
How to arrange a home office?
Through proper arrangement, it is possible to achieve a space with the most cozy and comfortable design.
What curtains are suitable?
The selection of curtains requires a very careful approach, since the curtains should be distinguished by a more restrained and slightly strict design in order to create an ideal atmosphere for work. An excellent solution is the use of straight curtains with discreet decor. In the design of a dark office, it is better to hang curtains in lighter colors; roller or Roman models will also be an equally wonderful addition to the interior.
The photo shows a window in an oriental-style office design, decorated with a curtain ensemble with a lambrequin.
What wallpaper to choose for your office?
The wallpaper in this room most often has a print in the form of vertical stripes, geometric abstraction or natural motifs. Photo wallpapers with panoramic images of cities, night cities and other pictures are perfect for decoration. In terms of color, the walls can be made in any shade, but it would be best to give preference to pastel colors that promote relaxation after a stressful work process.
The photo shows the design of an office for two with a wall decorated with photo wallpaper.
Lighting organization
If there is insufficient natural light or its complete absence, additional light sources are used, for example, a table lamp, backlight, LED strips or lamps built into various furniture.
A particularly popular option is spot lighting, which can visually expand the space and raise the ceiling. This solution goes well with chandeliers of various shapes and sizes. Also in the design of the office it is appropriate to use sconces and floor lamps.
Office on the windowsill
Design companies often use the idea of arranging space near a window to create original solutions.
The advantage of creating an office on the windowsill is a sufficient amount of natural light, periodic rest for the eyes due to the distraction of the street landscape.
The only negative is that the idea of minimalism is not suitable for the south side because the sun is too bright.
For evening work it will require additional lighting in the form of adjustable lamps. If you increase the space and install a metal or plastic tabletop on the window sill across the entire width of the room, you can get additional space for installing office equipment, shelves, etc.
See alsoSwedish style in the interior: 10 rules of Swedish furnishings
Features of choosing furniture
Furniture items must be of high quality, comfortable and practical. Here, first of all, it is important to install a computer or desk, an armchair, a comfortable chair, a rack for office equipment, a shelving unit, a cabinet or a cabinet for papers.
Also, the furnishings of a separate workroom are often complemented by a sofa, serving table or minibar. This room involves storage systems with an orderly arrangement of things and their free access; for this, drawers, shelves, wall pockets or organizers for small items are used.
The photo shows a furniture option in the design of a modern office.
The main compositional center of the room is characterized by a table, which, taking into account the size of the space, can be made of valuable wood, MDF, metal, made in light or dark shades, or be a mobile folding transforming structure or a product equipped with wheels.
For armchairs, choose models that are upholstered with natural materials and have developed lateral support. The most comfortable work process will be provided by chairs with adjustable height and backrest tilt, as well as designs with functions such as relaxing vibration massage or heating.
Work office in closet
An unexpected solution allows you to create a comfortable workplace. The advantages of the idea include the ability to install:
- computer/laptop;
- printer or MFP;
- additional gadgets and accessories.
After “closing” the office, only the chair will serve as a reminder of the secret of the closet, which hides a comfortable workspace.
See also Tiffany color in the interior: features, photos
Color solution
Thanks to a well-chosen tint palette, it is possible to achieve ideal conditions suitable for both complex painstaking work and creative activities.
Interior decoration in white colors is especially appropriate in a small room. Such light colors set the mood for the work process and give tone. This range looks great in wall, ceiling cladding or furniture. Quite versatile is the beige shade, creating a soft, soothing atmosphere and stable design.
The photo shows an office with a design made in dark colors.
An equally interesting solution is the furnishings in green tones, which help reduce sensitivity to noise, increase efficiency and neutralize visual stress. In the design of a home office, use the color of lime, juicy apple or a shade of forest moss.
Gray tones are distinguished by particular neatness, minimalism, aristocracy and majestic tranquility, perfect for both background decoration and individual furniture items.
A universal and exciting classic is the black and white palette with a harmonious combination of two independent and elegant colors, which is very often found in Japanese style, or the combination of black and red, most appropriate in Chinese design.
What are office furniture made from?
This is what the minimum set of furniture for your office should look like. Different materials are used for its manufacture. Most often this is:
- Wood is the most environmentally friendly, strong and durable. This is always high status and prestige. It is resistant to moisture and can be repaired, so it will last you a long time. Such furniture is quite expensive, and this forces many buyers to opt for cheaper materials.
- MDF is made from waste wood, compressed under high pressure and impregnated with carbide resins. This technology makes MDF boards durable and moisture resistant. They do not emit harmful substances and are suitable for use in residential areas. They are easy to process and perfectly imitate wood. They are practically not inferior to it in terms of strength and environmental friendliness, but are significantly cheaper.
- Chipboard is the cheapest material, its manufacturing technology is similar to MDF, but if MDF uses melamine, which reduces the emission of harmful fumes, then this is not always done in chipboard, so pay attention to the labeling before purchasing. For residential premises, the coefficient of emitted substances must correspond to the designations E0 or E1. Chipboard is inferior in strength to other materials, is afraid of moisture and can become deformed under heavy load. As a result, purchasing furniture made from chipboard is a dubious saving.
Of course, you can buy furniture made of metal, plastic and even stone, but this is very rare in home offices.
Design and decoration
The fireplace, as a decoration, is the compositional center and accent of the entire room and an effective addition to the surrounding design, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. This solution is suitable for those who need a combination of a classic home library with a modern workplace.
The photo shows the design of a study room, complemented by a fireplace.
An effective decoration of the design is the use of geographical maps, which give the atmosphere a special seriousness, various rare collections, figurines, antiques or a built-in aquarium, which has an interesting decorative and therapeutic effect that promotes psychological balance. In the interior of the office it is also appropriate to use various original graphics, photos or paintings placed on one or two walls.
Mini office on console
With minimal space and no free space for a regular table, a lightweight version is organized.
A console with a table top is mounted on the wall, the width of which should not exceed 40 cm. The best option would be a sample with storage boxes (diaries, writing instruments, etc.).
To avoid interference from the structure when not in use, it is enough to remove the chair under the tabletop. Additionally, shelves for folders are located near the structure, and multifunctional lighting is installed in parallel.
See also: Color scheme in the interior of a modern house or apartment
Office interior in various styles
Design options in popular interior trends.
Office in loft style
This style is especially suitable for creative people. The loft is characterized by a rough and even slightly brutal finish, in the form of brickwork, wooden floors with rough boards, exposed communications, cabinets or open shelves.
The photo shows a spacious office designed in a loft style in light shades.
In an industrial-style office design, the desk is generally placed next to a window to provide maximum illumination to the work area, and furniture, in the form of wooden or metal cabinets, is placed along the walls. To zone a space, a shelving unit or a partition cabinet is often chosen.
In the design of a men's workplace, you can use American vintage, which is reminiscent of a loft, but is more cozy, with an abundance of leather material, textiles, the presence of a library and execution in chocolate shades.
The photo shows the interior of a loft-style office with a wall decorated with wallpaper with a pattern of a geographical map.
Classic office interior
Classic and neoclassical interiors are distinguished by massive bookcases, rare tables, wooden chairs with leather or textile inserts and many antique items. For lighting, a luxurious antique multi-level chandelier is selected, complemented with crystal candelabra, and the floor is decorated with a carpet in noble shades.
In the Art Nouveau style, the presence of expensive materials and equipment is appropriate. This direction is characterized by smooth and free forms, finishing and materials with floral and animalistic motifs. Such an office should have space and large windows.
The aristocratic design in the Empire style is a solid professorial office-library with a high chair upholstered in leather. Columns, elegant stucco molding and expensive chandeliers are used here as decoration; the windows are decorated with heavy curtains, creating twilight in the room. The color scheme is made in brown, green or milky coffee tones.
The photo shows the design of an office in the Baroque style in the interior of a private mansion.
In English style
Distinctive features of the chic English style are the use of massive solid wood furniture, natural leather upholstery and stone finishing elements. This interior is made in natural deep blue, emerald, green or brown shades. To decorate the ceiling, coffered structures are chosen, the walls are covered with green, red or blue wallpaper, and the floor is lined with oak parquet.
Office in Scandinavian style
A similar design is distinguished by a light palette in white, cold snowy, light gray, milky, beige, and brown tones. Window openings are decorated with fabric blinds, and furniture items are chosen from natural materials. Scandinavian stylist, especially suitable for a woman’s office.
The photo shows a study room for a girl with a design in Scandinavian style.
Italian style
In Italian design, furniture must be of very high quality and made from solid wood. As decoration, brass and bronze linings, gilding, carvings or forged elements can be used. A crystal multi-lamp chandelier with numerous pendants and a base in gold or silver is perfect for lighting.
Art Deco style
The refined and expensive art deco style especially favorably emphasizes the status of the owner and is especially suitable for the design of an office in a country cottage. The design uses genuine leather, ivory, metal and bamboo. A room in this direction will harmoniously complement a sofa with beautiful unusual armrests.
High tech
For futuristic ascetic design, materials such as metal, plastic and glass are appropriate. Characteristic shades are black, gray and white. For furniture, choose metal shelving and coffee tables with glass tops.
The photo shows the design of a spacious office, made in high-tech style.
Provence
The interior in Provence style is dominated by blue, milky, lavender, beige and other natural tones. The floors are often finished with bleached oak or other light woods, and plaster is used for the walls. In the manufacture of furniture, artificially aged wood and fabric upholstery are used.
Minimalism
This direction involves functional, simple, but not cheap furniture, with standard geometric shapes without unnecessary decoration. The decoration of a business office is done in monochrome colors or includes a maximum of two colors. Decor is chosen here, in the form of black and white photographs or plain paintings.
Options for arranging office furniture in the office, how not to make mistakes
This article is a direct continuation of the article about the pros and cons of closed and open offices
Options for arranging tables and workstations.
- if you place the table with the outer edge to the wall
, then incoming visitors will see the screen of your monitor, and this is not a problem if you always have the necessary, working information on your screen. It's another matter if you are viewing data that everyone should not see. The problem can arise when you sit with your back to the door, then you will definitely have a fear that at any moment, unexpectedly for you, someone might come in. There is even a term called “cubicle paranoia” - paranoia in a small office. But there are times, for example, a small office space, when you cannot avoid such an arrangement, which greatly saves space in the office.
Chapter:
"All office desks"
Article:
“Options for arranging office furniture for 4 workplaces”
Arrangement:
“All options”
- table by the window.
Placing the table with the work area facing the window is also not the best option; if you don’t have blinds, you will constantly encounter glare on the screen. And vice versa, if you are sitting facing the window, then the light will blind you, unless of course you live in St. Petersburg, where the light of the sun is a joy for everyone and you don’t want to hide from it. Think about this in advance, taking into account which side of the world your windows face. In any case, good blinds will easily solve these problems. But a big advantage of placing a table near the window is the constant change of the picture, which has a positive effect on the psychological state and reduces stress.
Place the table facing the door
- the most acceptable option for managers, and, in general, for people.
You can place filing cabinets behind your back. The cabinets will serve you not only as a place to store papers, but also form a wall behind you, together with the high back of the chair, you will feel protected, relaxed and as confident as possible. Light in the office
When it comes to light in the office, it is better to have large windows, or any windows at all. Firstly, it is a source of additional natural light, and secondly, ventilation of the office. I am sure, and I have experienced this in practice, that if you sit in a completely isolated room without windows, sooner or later you will encounter a lack of fresh air, and your body will get tired faster and headaches will appear. And eventually you will think about moving.
Examples of furniture arrangements in offices - our projects
U-shaped table layout
Such workstations are suitable for those who need a large workspace to work with documentation, or need to place more than one monitor. Also, a table closed on three sides gives a feeling of security and calm. In an office, such desks take up the most space and require a lot of space.
L-shaped table layout
An ergonomic type of table where you can use the entire working space of the table without making significant movements in space, but using only the rotating function of your chair. Today, various arrangements of ergonomic desks are the most popular solutions in offices.
Straight table layout
The most economical workplaces for employees. They can be arranged in sections or placed separately, and they take up the least amount of space in the office. The smallest table 120*60 is the minimum workspace for more or less comfortable work, which can also be equipped with a cabinet.
In a big office
You definitely need to think about the issue of receiving visitors. Many people do not like to hold meetings and discuss the details of a deal in front of a large number of people. A secluded place for negotiations will be very useful. Such a place can serve as a small seating area with a corner sofa with a coffee table or a separate conference room. If you have little space, just set up a round table for negotiations; this design will level you out and reveal the full potential of the deal.
Don't have time to choose office furniture yourself? Entrust it to us! - we will promptly offer several layout options with 3D visualization - | Send a request |
Power cords and sockets
. Pay attention to the location of your outlets, both electrical and network. It’s one thing if you have Wi-Fi in your office and everyone is connected wirelessly. But if you have a network and all the wires come from the server, or the computers are connected to each other, then having a large number of wires can become a problem and create clutter and chaos. The same problem can arise if there are few outlets and they are located far from desktops.
Regarding the printer or MFP,
then in small offices you can place them in a place accessible to any employee, in the middle of the room or near those workers who use these devices most. There may be problems with wires, if, again, the device is not wireless. It's a good idea to generally evaluate the electronics you have that can be improved with modern technology. If the company is small, then there is a large number of wires, and working the old fashioned way can still be forgiven. But over time, when the company begins to grow, think about and gradually get rid of wires, using wi-fi, using multifunctional devices, crm, electronic document exchange, etc.
Narrow passages
, this is the bane of small offices. Everyone has ever been in one of these and seen how the employees themselves barely pass there. Leave at least 50 cm for passage, and you will not touch papers or electronic devices lying on the table. After all, you can get injured by running into the corner of a table.
Mobile stands.
Many people underestimate the presence of a roll-out or stationary cabinet with drawers. But this solves many problems with the lack of space for accessories, papers and, finally, personal belongings. If you are hosting customers, keeping your table tidy will have a positive effect on their perception of your company. Modern office furniture can also solve the problem of space for the visitor by equipping the bedside table with a soft seat on which the visitor can sit, but it is not recommended to use such bedside tables if the visitor comes for more than 10 minutes, he will not feel comfortable. Here it is better to use a chair with armrests.
the cheapest chairs for clients or
Yes, and without armrests. In such a chair, a person will receive the maximum dose of fatigue and after 30-40 minutes he is no longer ready to adequately perceive information. It’s better to install swivel chairs on casters in meeting rooms.
As for the chairs
, then on our website allkresla.biz various articles have been published more than once about the benefits of the right work chairs and how they help work. It is worth noting that buying a good ergonomic high-back chair is not a panacea, and is unlikely to relieve you of back pain if you have any serious diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but it will definitely increase the time you spend comfortable sitting. The topic of choosing chairs is very large and important, probably even broader than the issue of choosing office furniture, and you can read about correct ergonomics or how to choose a chair in these articles :)
Articles about chairs here
Cabinets.
If you have little space, buy narrow and tall cabinets, which save space and at the same time are great for folders and documents. If you need quick access to the shelves, then there are cabinets already built into the tables, or you can put a rack next to the table. Open shelving allows quick access to contents, but at the same time all documents are visible. If you want to cover folders or clutter on shelves, use either wooden doors (they can be locked if necessary) or darkened glass doors.
It is better not to install glass doors in narrow spaces so as not to constantly touch them. If you place two cabinets next to each other, you should pay attention so that the handles, when opening, do not hit the surface of the glass when they are open.
If the racks stand on high legs, then it is easy to do wet cleaning under them. On the middle legs, dust and dirt will constantly accumulate. If the legs are very low, then you will see the clogged dirt only after rearranging.
There are series of furniture that can combine cabinets into one wall using “Tops”. These are long decorative surfaces that can be placed either on one cabinet, making it visually better, or combine them together. This gives the entire structure a monolithic and presentable appearance. The tops may come with side walls of the same thickness. Cabinets look more massive and seem expensive.
How to choose an office shelving unit, cabinet, wardrobe. GOST data.
Separate waste collection in offices
It’s great when a company’s management promotes the development of environmental responsibility among employees. You can start simple and put two separate trash cans to separate paper and plastic.
If your company has already reached the level of proper waste recycling, then be sure to use separate bins. Start with paper and plastic, it will help you. These materials can be reused. Study this issue, apply it in practice, and your employees will be more civilized and, importantly, organized.
Using partitions
Among other things, you can divide a large office into separate workstations using partitions (-partitions in the catalog here-). With them you can create separate spaces or simply divide a couple of tables between each other. Make sure that they are clearly attached to the floor. If it is critical for you to use high partitions, then you can enjoy low partitions between desks, which create a closed space for employees, but allow you to quickly share information between colleagues.
Bench table system is the most economical solution for companies.
These are tables (here is an example in the catalog) that are united by a single tabletop with a monolithic single frame. This arrangement saves space and allows you to accommodate more employees. And if you equip such places with additional storage systems, then the desktop turns into a full-fledged workplace, with a light open design in a modern minimalist look. But this is probably more of a fashion trend. Because one of the disadvantages of such systems is the impossibility of dividing them and moving jobs to different places, mobility is lost. But there is a feeling of unity, as if all employees are sitting together in a unified workplace. And by the way, they look more harmonious and neat than if you placed the tables separately. (article about benchmark systems)
Don't have time to choose office furniture yourself? Entrust it to us! - we will promptly offer several layout options with 3D visualization - | Send a request |
Small office design examples
A small room in a Khrushchev-era building should not be overloaded with furniture and other interior elements. You can visually increase and adjust the proportions of the room through zoning or using light shades in the cladding. It is also important that a small or narrow rectangular office has sufficient lighting.
The photo shows the interior of a narrow office in a rustic country style in the design of a country house.
Furniture items in a given room should be functional and compact; for example, pull-out or folding tables and small shelving are often chosen.
Workplace in the pantry
In separate housing according to the project, there are additional household premises intended for storing things.
Most owners have closets filled with old and unnecessary trash that should have been disposed of long ago.
Clearing out cluttered space helps create a nice workspace. At the same time, the door guarantees silence and isolation.
The main nuance of the auxiliary room is the need for lighting. To accomplish the task, sconces with directed soft rather than cold light are suitable. At the same time, the storage room is located within the apartment, so it is enough to simply provide central lighting to it.
See alsoMediterranean style in interior design
Furniture: how to choose and how to arrange
From an ergonomic point of view, the office should perform direct functions, be spacious and well thought out. In combined room options, folding, adjustable and compact tables are beneficial. For a separate office, they buy tables with bedside tables, secret compartments, functional accessories, and roll-out sections. The latter are used to receive guests. It is advisable for visitors to sit opposite each other, simultaneously overlooking the exit. In a separate room, the table is placed closer to the center. Walls, racks and cabinets are purchased deep and low, which do not interfere with convenient work with documentation. All walls are furnished with furniture storage, in a continuous line or with wide intervals. The optimal parameters depend on the size and purpose of the cabinet. Open shelves are purchased for a combined room in the kitchen or pantry.
First, they buy a table, so that later they can choose the right style for the room.
Cabinet finishing materials
In traditional classical and semi-classical rooms, wood and stone are used. The walls are decorated with wooden panels and wallpaper, less often with paint. The floors are covered with solid wood boards, parquet, and linoleum. Decorative plaster is applied to the ceilings, and wood is added if possible. Cabinets in the style of the late 20th century are decorated with artificial wood, laminate, and decorative tiles.
For a 21st century office, the finishes may be partly the same, but the time period should be displayed. The walls are covered with plastic panels and plasterboard. They are also painted, covered with vinyl, glass wallpaper. The ceiling is made suspended, level. Partitions and furniture made from modern materials are purchased for the interior, harmonizing the decor with the decor. Glass and metal are used in rooms without ostentatious luxury and to create a working environment. Any exceptions are made for conceptual design.
Interior design features
To design a multifunctional office, it is important to take into account the area of the room, the number of doors and windows, the purpose of the office, the stylistic design, and the personal tastes of the apartment owners. The location of the room towards the light sides is considered separately. This will affect the color scheme of the finish, the interior and the amount of lighting in the room, especially a small one.
Taking into account all the nuances, you can design an attractive, cozy, comfortable and multifunctional office for the director’s work and personal needs at home.
Depending on what functions will be assigned to the room, which will be an office, its furnishings should also be formed
Choosing a stylistic direction
Fundamental set of styles:
- modern;
- Empire;
- minimalism;
- functionalism;
- high tech;
- fusion
The border between traditional and new movements appeared in the 60s. They began to remove unnecessary things from the offices. High-ranking executives still require expensive chairs, luxury elements, and natural materials. In the Empire, Art Nouveau and eclectic styles, sectional walls, caissons on the ceilings, and drapes on window openings look organic. Office managers should choose among mixed and progressive styles. Minimalism with free surfaces characterizes the owner of the office as laconic and striving for perfectionism. Fusion is suitable for representatives of humanitarian professions and creative directors. Over the decades, the style has absorbed beautiful elements from different directions. If the work is related to design, technology, exact sciences, then belonging to the field will emphasize high-tech. Styles associated with fashion, avant-garde, and glamor are not suitable for office owners.
Organization of an office according to Feng Shui
According to this teaching, the office is closely connected with the outside world, therefore yang energy accumulates in it. They avoid walk-through rooms, which is actually rare.
Feng Shui does not favor sitting positions opposite the entrance. You shouldn't sit facing a window or door either. Prolonged stay in this position causes discomfort. The wall behind you will give you confidence and optimism. If several people use the table, they should sit so as not to look at each other. Cold tones, especially pure blue, must be removed from the decor.
The office is not placed on the southwest side, which is characterized by low energy. In turn, the north promotes professional growth, the north-west awakens management abilities. Northeast placement, according to Feng Shui, imbues you with new knowledge. The entire northern region is filled with qi energy favorable for work.
Basic mistakes
When choosing furniture for an office for two managers, you must refuse:
Using a conference table as a shared work desk.
Firstly, such tables are not equipped with drawers, add-ons or cabinets - there will be difficulties with order in the workplace. Secondly, it is impossible to delimit “zones of influence”; being too close to each other makes it difficult to work, sort documents, make phone calls, or receive visitors. Thirdly, such tables are very large: to get to the printer, cabinet, or just leave the office, you have to walk around a lot
Placement of relaxation furniture in the work area.
If you need a coffee table, a rest room, it should be a separate room or a part of the office separated by a partition. This will preserve the working atmosphere, chain of command, and order.
One for two briefing consoles.
It will have to be moved from place to place. It is not comfortable. Letting someone else sit at your desk for negotiations is doubly inconvenient.